Exciting changes amid challenging times.

• Author: Manton, Jennifer
• Position: PRESIDENT'S PODIUM - Legal Marketing Association

It's hard to recall a period of time that has brought so much change to our professional and personal lives. We've seen shifts in politics, economic ups and downs and new approaches to how the legal industry is preparing itself to meet the challenges of the future.

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It's not surprising that your LMA is following suit. But unlike some changes that are enacted in response to a downturn in the economy, ours are the result of some very positive factors and have been in the planning stages for quite some time.

At the time of LMA's founding 24 years ago, we didn't require dedicated personnel to manage our affairs. Like many associations, we relied upon our members until we grew to the size where it made sense for an association management company and its staff to oversee our day-to-day operations.

In the ensuing years, our membership has grown exponentially. So, too, have the hours and the experience required to manage the many programs you've come to expect from your LMA. These include our annual conference, educational events, career assistance, public affairs outreach, chapter coordination, technology, communications vehicles and strategic planning requirements ... just to mention a few. With that growth comes the need for organizational change.

In order to support our important priorities and continue enhancing our service to members, we have begun the process of transitioning to a new management model. Rather than relying solely on a management company as we have done in the past, we are adapting an approach that includes our first LMA employee, Executive Director Betsi Roach. Betsi, along with a new association management company, will work closely with our board, committees and task force...